Let the numbers do the talking.
Austin, TX vs Round Rock, TX
Austin, TX vs Round Rock, TX: What the data shows
Austin, TX is in Austin, TX while Round Rock, TX is in Round Rock, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Round Rock, TX is the more affordable option at $420,000 median — $774,200 less than Austin, TX's $1,194,200. WYLT rates Austin, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Round Rock, TX as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Round Rock, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Austin, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Round Rock, TX has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Austin, TX has Low flood risk and Round Rock, TX has High flood risk.
Round Rock, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Austin, TX scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus Round Rock, TX's 39/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Austin, TX has the higher school rating — Austin, TX rates 7.4/10 and Round Rock, TX rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Austin, TX | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.19M | $420K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $140K ✓ Higher income | $110K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 | 39/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 | 20/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute | 26 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | High‑income professionalsRemote workers with budgetStudents needing proximity to downtown | Families with young childrenRemote workers looking for a quiet environmentFirst-time homebuyers |
Bottom line
For families and those prioritizing affordability and a more laid-back atmosphere, Round Rock is the better choice despite its flood risk. In contrast, the Austin neighborhood is suited for high-income professionals and remote workers with a large budget who value proximity to downtown and are willing to overlook its high cost of living and lack of public transportation. Overall, Round Rock offers a better balance of quality of life and cost for most households.
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